Mitchell Robinson’s Finger Injury Ahead of NBA Finals

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New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson recently had surgery on his right pinky finger. Robinson sustained the injury earlier this week. The team is optimistic about his return for Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday, according to sources from The Athletic.

The exact cause of Robinson’s injury is not yet known. The news emerged shortly after the Knicks secured a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999. They defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.

Missing Robinson would significantly impact the Knicks, irrespective of whether their finals opponent is the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs’ lineup includes two seven-footers, Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet. Meanwhile, the Thunder boasts Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.

Robinson stands as the Knicks’ longest-serving player. During the regular season, he ranked fourth in the NBA for offensive rebounds per game, with an average of 4.2. He also achieved a league-best offensive rebounding percentage of 20.1.

Injuries have plagued Robinson’s career. He participated in only 31 games in the 2023-24 season and just 17 in the following season due to an ankle injury. During last season’s playoffs, Robinson played a crucial role in the Knicks’ first Eastern Conference finals appearance in 25 years, noted for his offensive rebounding and defensive skills. This season, Robinson managed to play in 60 games, the first time reaching that number since the 2021-22 season. The Knicks employed an injury management strategy, opting not to play him consecutively in back-to-back games, ensuring he stayed fit for the playoffs.

While Robinson has only missed a single postseason game, his playing time has reduced. The decrease is due in large part to his challenges at the free-throw line. He’s hitting only 30.2 percent of his free throws, prompting opponents to foul him deliberately to hinder the Knicks’ dynamic offense.

Ariel Hukporti, in his second year, serves as New York’s third-string center. Hukporti played just 498 minutes during the regular season.